Customer Reviews

Renegade (Arabesque)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Grammy Award winner Gabriel Cole has lived a non-conventional
life, so I immediately thought this book was titled for him.
But he's not the one, Renegade is the code name for Drug
Enforcement Administration agent Summer Montgomery.

Because of a family tragedy, Summer has dedicated her life to
drug enforcement and is a legend in her own right with the DEA.
Her existence has been consumed by her mission, but she now
yearns for a normal life without the deception and the constant

danger. Gabriel, a loner and a confirmed bachelor has obtained
phenomenal success with his illustrious music career. But he
is at a crossroads in his career and his life, and as a result,
has settled on Cape Cod to figure things out. Assisting with
a musical grant awarded a Massachusetts school system, he offers
his services at a local high school in the area. Summer's current
assignment with the Boston DEA division is at the same school.
Their fiery encounters have them wondering if destiny is
manifesting itself, encouraging them to put a rein on their
wanderlust?

RENEGADE is the final book in the HIDEAWAY series and readers
are very aware that this is the last course eclipsing what has
read like a multi-course meal. The writing is fresh and crisp and
it soothes the palate like the aromatic coffee from one of the
ColeDiz International Ltd. coffee plantations. Throughout the
series Rochelle Alers has embodied the essence of the family unit

and has ensured that the spirit of the Hideaway adventures will
never end. Readers reminisce with the Coles, Sterlings, Kirklands
and their offspring. I read this book in a melancholic mood because
it is the epilogue of a wonderful legacy. As I turned the last
page I thought, RENEGADE and all it culminates can be summarized
with words from one of William Shakespeare's poems... "parting is
such sweet sorrow". Thank you Rochelle for all the vicarious
days with your HIDEAWAY series.

Reviewed by aNN Brown
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

DEA agent Summer Montgomery, code name Renegade, poses as a drama teacher for her newest assignment at Weir Memorial High School in Boston, Massachusetts to stop an illegal drug ring. The five-foot-eight beauty with large, deep set, dark brown eyes has always been able to keep her distance from any man while undercover, until she meets Gabriel Cole.

Gabriel Cole, a multi-award-winning musician, who is also working at the high school in the music department is mesmerized by Summer's stunning beauty and intelligence. As a famous musician, he's used to women lusting after him, but Summer is different. Summer is everything he has been looking for: smart, sexy, ambitious, talented and determined. Summer, with her take charge, strong and self-sufficient attitude, pulls Gabriel in with an invisible bond that will link them together forever. He loves the combination of curiosity and desire he feels every time he's around Summer. She makes him feel the intensity of loving one person completely, and the desire to create and raise a family with her. He wants to make Summer his wife, but Summer is holding something back. Will Summer tell Gabriel about the double life she's leading? Or will her dangerous masquerade ruin both of their lives?

RENEGADE, the last in the Hideaway series by Rochelle Alers, and completes the legacy with style by including the characters from the previous Hideaway stories: HIDEAWAY, HIDDEN AGENDA, VOWS, HEAVEN SENT, HARVEST MOON, JUST BEFORE DAWN, PRIVATE PASSIONS, NO COMPROMISE, HOMECOMING. The tightly-knit Cole family stands up for one another, and Ms.Alers incorporates Summer and Gabriel into the long time trilogy with passion. The Cole females are treated with love and respect by the Cole males and RENEGADE keeps the love and warmth going with Summer's and Gabriel's love story. Summer and Gabriel will do anything for each other. Rochelle Alers writes about both characters with insight and emotion. Summer's and Gabriel's love is riveting and compelling. When Summer realizes she has fallen in love with Gabriel, she stills holds back, not wanting to tell him about her DEA life until her assignment is over.

I consider Gabriel a combination of an alpha hero and a beta hero . He feels he needs to protect Summer, but he's also treats Summer with love and patience. He doesn't rush her into the relationship. He allows her to move at her own pace. Gabriel is there to comfort Summer after she confides to him about her brother died from a driving by shooting. Respecting Summer is a huge part of Gabriel's personality and makes him the fantasy man every woman wants, but few are able to find in reality.

Summer is the challegne Gabriel needs in his life. She make him work toward having a caring and lasting relationship. Apart Summer and Gabriel are amazing people, but together they are superb. With one glance they know when the other person is upset or hurt by something or someone. Summer's only conflict is telling her boss she wants to leave the agency. She has been an agent for the past five years, but the enjoyment of the job has worn off. Summer is ready to settle down and have a family of her own with Gabriel.

RENEGADE is a wonderful romantic read, but I feel Ms. Alers should of focused more on Summer's last assignment, but fans of the series will enjoy reading about the blooming romance between this intriguing couple. Still, RENEGADE is a charming, fun, and sensual conclusion to the beloved Hideaway series.

The continuation of the Hideaway Legacy was as good a read as Just before dawn, however not as steamy....the characters, Gabriel which vowed to never get caught by cupids arrow, did just that with someone you'd never think it would happen with..a teacher, the story line was interesting nevertheless, and I could'nt wait to get to the next chapter; I found myself feeling the reluctance, then excitement, and then happiness, and I thoroughly enjoy how all family and characters from previous books come back to life, and interact in this one... I was a little disappointed that Salem Lassiter did'nt realize with his ability to feel danger where Summer was concerned...but nonetheless, I will continue to purchase and read Ms. Alers books, on this subject matter and keep them for future reads, after all, it does help to be able to live some of these stories in our lives if only for a little while during the trying times of our country and everday life. JKing. Grand Prairie, Tx

Let me first say I absolutely love Rochelle Alers' books. But the ending of her Hideaway Series was frankly kinda boring. Of course the book's love scenes were well-written because Ms. Alers can't write a bad love scene. But the book had little or no suspense until the last few pages. I was glad to be reunited with all the Coles, Kirklands, Lassiters and Sterlings. But, I cherished the book more because it was the last in the Hideaway series and not because it was a really great romance book. I didn't really fall in love with either Summer and Gabriel, like I did with the other characters in the series. Frankly, the storyline for both characters wasn't very strong. Oh well, I bought the book to complete the series, but honestly if it were not part of the series I wouldn't necessarily recommend it.

I've never taken much stock in the old adage that "all good things must come to an end" -- until now.

"Renegade" was the touching, sexy finale to the "Hideaway" series featuring the Coles/Sterlings/Kirklands/Delgados/Lassiters and the rest of a family of lovers and friends. This was Gabriel Cole's and Summer Montgomery's story and they sizzled.

Like his father David, and his uncles and cousins, Gabriel gave his all to the woman he loved and she accepted it all -- despite their different worlds.

I must admit experiencing a touch of melancholy as I turned the last page. The Coles are a family you won't soon forget and I hope to hear more from them.

Thank you Ms. Alers for allowing me the opportunity "to get to know" them and their world. It was an amazing journey!

Catching a quick glimpse of someone elses review of Renegade almost made me not read it. But being a die hard Rochelle Alers fan I'm glad that I followed my own mind and read Renegade. Renegade was an excellent book. Gabriel and Summer were hot. I loved the whole story. I loved the way Ms. Alers kept me abreast on the lives of Martin-Parris, Matt-Eve, Joshua-Vanessa and David-Serena. I knew that the series had to end........but I was not ready to let go. Renegade truly touched my heart in the end when all the brothers/friends came together and hugged. Ms. Alers ended the book with grace. I'm left with an ending that I can handle. I know there will never be anothr series like this......thank you.

Rochelle Alers has done it again and she left more to be desired from this book. The sad thing is that this is the last book of the Hideaway Series and I would love to read more. The book has wonderful charactes, great suspence and it is a real page-turner. You won't be able to put it down. It is a really good book.

The last book of the Hideaway Series was a very good read. Although it wasn't as spectacular as I thought it would be. I truly recommend this book and all of Rochelle's books.

I have really enjoyed the Hideaway Series. I did not want this novel to end. A great book from a great author.

I really enjoy Ms. Alers and I've read most of the books in the HIDEAWAY series. This is the worst one. I was very dissapointed. Where was the chemistry between David and Summer? Oh wait...it was there...but it felt forced. There were a few, um, what's a good word?....TASETLESS moments. One was when they were bumping-and-grinding at the high school Halloween dance. And she even had the nerve to drop it like it's hot in front of the students! Lastly, this book was 60% Summer and David; 40% David's family. It's as if Ms. Alers didn't have much of a love story for these two. What's up with that?